kickapoo valley reserve visitor center

We have the privilege of living close to this amazing place and you always are awed at the natural beauty . Young or old there is something for everyone. The history of how this came to be the KVR is especially interesting to people who like history.

You can ride horse, ride bike, or hike. Trails are hilly or flat. Trails follow ridge tops or the river valley. Trails are wooded or open meadows. Everything is beautiful and well maintained. There's so much variety we never get tired of visiting the Reserve. The scenic roads around the area only enhance the experience.

A relatively new use of public land in the Driftless Area of Central Wisconsin. The land was originally set aside for a proposed man-made lake (in fact, the dam was actually started).The dam project was cancelled and the land is now under public stewardship.Many scenic hiking and horse trails, without major development.A very nice new visitor center.

We walked many of the trails while on our honeymoon. Be sure to watch the video in the visitors center to learn about the history of the dam project and the reserve. It makes the sights so much more meaningful!

Nice quiet trails. Some for all ages and abilities. Helpful staff and they are excited about what they are doing!

We stayed at the Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins while attending a conference on Plant Life and Herbal science -- and what an enchanting (and very apropos) stay it was.From the first phone contact and cordial greeting by Cowboy Joe, to our arrival at the Ranch, to our (reluctant) departure -- our entire stay was terrifically relaxing and serene. The interior comforts of our cabin were just right for the two of us... from sumptuous bedding/linens, to bath amenities, to a convenient and well-equipped kitchenette ... and fresh coffee beans for grinding! The exterior of the cabin is something to behold. A long inviting porch (with comfy rockers and BBQ grill)) which looks out onto a pastoral range of verdant hills... a symphony of bird calls and songs would greet us daily, in this truly peaceful setting. Nestled in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve region, the surroundings of our "cabin-on-the-ranch" provided a plethora of "natural wild life"... diverse plants, flowers, and foliage; wonderful walking paths, a "family" of friendly and spry llamas, and handsome horses (that gathered and grazed on the surrounding hills). And, lest we forget, the several cute (and curious) cats and kittens that followed our footsteps as we explored the Ranch grounds. Even the Ranch's "Welcome Lodge" was cozy, unpretentious, and inviting. Following a leisurely drive along the winding, scenic county road, we would retire to our cabin, and reflect on the busy day's schedule of workshops and nature walks which we enjoyed in the company and camaraderie of fellow UPS (United Plant Savers) devotees. Not to mention, that the closing of a perfect weekend was "crowned" with a magical evening during the Perseids Meteor Shower! A velvety black star-studded sky that featured a mystical "light show" of shooting stars ... which we witnessed as we gazed upward, just a few yards from our cabin door. Only in the quiet, undisturbed solitude of this "true country setting" could one partake of such wonders. Thank You Cowboys Joe and David for your hospitality and for providing an enchanting and memorable refuge. P.S. We bragged about your Ranch to family and friends -- and hope to visit once again. Wees and TT.

We went to the United Plant Savers conference which was held here--nice facilities and hiking trails

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor center is staffed by helpful people, and full of interesting information about the history of the area and the animal and plant species that inhabit it.